gallery3Hakanen.org Photoshttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/rss/feed/gallery/album/1
These albums and sub-albums are a collection of photographs of people and places that we want to share with all our family and friends. They are pictures of people and places that have influenced and touched our lives in many ways.en-usSun, 18 Feb 2018 04:50:28 +0000Sun, 18 Feb 2018 04:50:28 +0000Gettysburg circa 1930http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/69
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/69Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:23:44 +0000I believe this picture was taken when Mom and Dad eloped. It was probably taken on the way to or back from Maryland where they were married. I believe this statue is in Gettysburg PA.
I believe this picture was taken when Mom and Dad eloped. It was probably taken on the way to or back from Maryland where they were married. I believe this statue is in Gettysburg PA.

I believe this picture was taken when Mom and Dad eloped. It was probably taken on the way to or back from Maryland where they were married. I believe this statue is in Gettysburg PA.

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map-finlandhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/102
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/102Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:24:38 +0000This is a map of Finland that shows the area where both my Grandparents were raised. The area named Vassa is the Province that both home towns were in, Seinajoki is shown on the map. That is the town in which my Grandmother was raised. My Grandfather came from a town just south of Seinajoki,( 20 or 30 miles), called Jalesjarvi. Arja, the cousin we communicate with in Finland, is from Turku and has a summer cottage in Jalesjarvi. This has been an asset in understanding our ancestors home country and communities.
This is a map of Finland that shows the area where both my Grandparents were raised. The area named Vassa is the Province that both home towns were in, Seinajoki is shown on the map. That is the town in which my Grandmother was raised. My Grandfather came from a town just south of Seinajoki,( 20 or 30 miles), called Jalesjarvi. Arja, the cousin we communicate with in Finland, is from Turku and has a summer cottage in Jalesjarvi. This has been an asset in understanding our ancestors home country and communities.

This is a map of Finland that shows the area where both my Grandparents were raised. The area named Vassa is the Province that both home towns were in, Seinajoki is shown on the map. That is the town in which my Grandmother was raised. My Grandfather came from a town just south of Seinajoki,( 20 or 30 miles), called Jalesjarvi. Arja, the cousin we communicate with in Finland, is from Turku and has a summer cottage in Jalesjarvi. This has been an asset in understanding our ancestors home country and communities.

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Grandpa and Grandma Sneddenhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/133
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/133Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:25:23 +0000Great-grandpa Robert Snedden was born in Scotland and his wife Sarah (McKisson) Snedden was born in Clarion County PA. Her mother Augusta arrived in America from Germany when she was fourteen This photo was cropped from one of the two group photos in this album. I never new my Great-grandpa Robert. He passed away in 1920 at the age of 71. However, I do remember Great-grandma Sarah. She didn't pass away until 1946 when I was 14. I remember her when she lived with her son, Bill, on the Nanty-Glo, Twin Rocks road. My grandfather was a boarder in the Snedden home where he met my grandmother. I have not determined where they lived at that time.
Great-grandpa Robert Snedden was born in Scotland and his wife Sarah (McKisson) Snedden was born in Clarion County PA. Her mother Augusta arrived in America from Germany when she was fourteen This photo was cropped from one of the two group photos in this album. I never new my Great-grandpa Robert. He passed away in 1920 at the age of 71. However, I do remember Great-grandma Sarah. She didn't pass away until 1946 when I was 14. I remember her when she lived with her son, Bill, on the Nanty-Glo, Twin Rocks road. My grandfather was a boarder in the Snedden home where he met my grandmother. I have not determined where they lived at that time.

Great-grandpa Robert Snedden was born in Scotland and his wife Sarah (McKisson) Snedden was born in Clarion County PA. Her mother Augusta arrived in America from Germany when she was fourteen This photo was cropped from one of the two group photos in this album. I never new my Great-grandpa Robert. He passed away in 1920 at the age of 71. However, I do remember Great-grandma Sarah. She didn't pass away until 1946 when I was 14. I remember her when she lived with her son, Bill, on the Nanty-Glo, Twin Rocks road. My grandfather was a boarder in the Snedden home where he met my grandmother. I have not determined where they lived at that time.

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arja and pirrko our email cousinshttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/195
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/195Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:34:42 +0000Arja, on the left, is the granddaughter of Laimi's sister Aini Liisa. Her mother was Liisa's daughter, Anni. Arja was born in Turku Feb. 4, 1938. However, when she was 10 months old her parents sent her to the grandparents in Jalasjarvi. She lived there until she was six. After that she spent her summers with her grandparents in Jalasjarvi. Much like I did after I moved to Turtle Creek. The reason her parents sent her to Jalasjarvi is to get away from the bombing done by the Russians. Turku is at the extreme south of Finland. That area was very vulnerable during that time. The Germans and Russians both had an interest in Finland, who remained neutral during the second World War. Arja said the Germans helped the Turku people during this time. Later Arja studied at the Technical University in West-Berlin from 1958-1964. She studied Architecture. She married a German citizen and had two children there. They lived in Helsinki, where Arja worked as an apprentice to Aarne Ervi, a well known Finnish architect. She later divorced and re-married Pertti (Peppe) Eriksson, an old school mate from Finland. They now live again in Turku and keep a summer home on the Gulf of Finland, not far from Turku. She and her husband, Peppe, also have a summer cottage near the old homestead in Jalasjarvi. She is also interested in genealogy and has helped make clear to me the Finnish way of life.
On the right is Pirrko who was the first to make the connection with us. This is explained below. Pirkko is the daughter of Anni Liisa's son, Aarno. She now lives in England with her husband TC. They have two daughters. One daughter is married and the other just (2010) graduated from college. When Pirrko was a school girl her parents sent her to Kurikko, Finland to learn English. She went to college in Vaasa, Finland. She met her husband, who was a college student in London, when she spent the summer in England with an older sister. They visit Finland yearly during the summer solstice It was Pirrko's beginning efforts at
Arja, on the left, is the granddaughter of Laimi's sister Aini Liisa. Her mother was Liisa's daughter, Anni. Arja was born in Turku Feb. 4, 1938. However, when she was 10 months old her parents sent her to the grandparents in Jalasjarvi. She lived there until she was six. After that she spent her summers with her grandparents in Jalasjarvi. Much like I did after I moved to Turtle Creek. The reason her parents sent her to Jalasjarvi is to get away from the bombing done by the Russians. Turku is at the extreme south of Finland. That area was very vulnerable during that time. The Germans and Russians both had an interest in Finland, who remained neutral during the second World War. Arja said the Germans helped the Turku people during this time. Later Arja studied at the Technical University in West-Berlin from 1958-1964. She studied Architecture. She married a German citizen and had two children there. They lived in Helsinki, where Arja worked as an apprentice to Aarne Ervi, a well known Finnish architect. She later divorced and re-married Pertti (Peppe) Eriksson, an old school mate from Finland. They now live again in Turku and keep a summer home on the Gulf of Finland, not far from Turku. She and her husband, Peppe, also have a summer cottage near the old homestead in Jalasjarvi. She is also interested in genealogy and has helped make clear to me the Finnish way of life.
On the right is Pirrko who was the first to make the connection with us. This is explained below. Pirkko is the daughter of Anni Liisa's son, Aarno. She now lives in England with her husband TC. They have two daughters. One daughter is married and the other just (2010) graduated from college. When Pirrko was a school girl her parents sent her to Kurikko, Finland to learn English. She went to college in Vaasa, Finland. She met her husband, who was a college student in London, when she spent the summer in England with an older sister. They visit Finland yearly during the summer solstice It was Pirrko's beginning efforts at

Arja, on the left, is the granddaughter of Laimi's sister Aini Liisa. Her mother was Liisa's daughter, Anni. Arja was born in Turku Feb. 4, 1938. However, when she was 10 months old her parents sent her to the grandparents in Jalasjarvi. She lived there until she was six. After that she spent her summers with her grandparents in Jalasjarvi. Much like I did after I moved to Turtle Creek. The reason her parents sent her to Jalasjarvi is to get away from the bombing done by the Russians. Turku is at the extreme south of Finland. That area was very vulnerable during that time. The Germans and Russians both had an interest in Finland, who remained neutral during the second World War. Arja said the Germans helped the Turku people during this time. Later Arja studied at the Technical University in West-Berlin from 1958-1964. She studied Architecture. She married a German citizen and had two children there. They lived in Helsinki, where Arja worked as an apprentice to Aarne Ervi, a well known Finnish architect. She later divorced and re-married Pertti (Peppe) Eriksson, an old school mate from Finland. They now live again in Turku and keep a summer home on the Gulf of Finland, not far from Turku. She and her husband, Peppe, also have a summer cottage near the old homestead in Jalasjarvi. She is also interested in genealogy and has helped make clear to me the Finnish way of life.
On the right is Pirrko who was the first to make the connection with us. This is explained below. Pirkko is the daughter of Anni Liisa's son, Aarno. She now lives in England with her husband TC. They have two daughters. One daughter is married and the other just (2010) graduated from college. When Pirrko was a school girl her parents sent her to Kurikko, Finland to learn English. She went to college in Vaasa, Finland. She met her husband, who was a college student in London, when she spent the summer in England with an older sister. They visit Finland yearly during the summer solstice It was Pirrko's beginning efforts at

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Mimi & Weshttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/276
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/276Wed, 09 Mar 2011 01:02:45 +0000This photo was taken at an Irish Pub on route 18 North of Edinboro. We were there with a group of friends. As we often do. This group gets together monthly at a local pub. This time we went "out of town". The group has dinner and socializes and each person donates a dollar. At the end of the year the donations are given to the local food bank. A worthy cause and a lot of fun. That's small town living.
This photo was taken at an Irish Pub on route 18 North of Edinboro. We were there with a group of friends. As we often do. This group gets together monthly at a local pub. This time we went "out of town". The group has dinner and socializes and each person donates a dollar. At the end of the year the donations are given to the local food bank. A worthy cause and a lot of fun. That's small town living.

This photo was taken at an Irish Pub on route 18 North of Edinboro. We were there with a group of friends. As we often do. This group gets together monthly at a local pub. This time we went "out of town". The group has dinner and socializes and each person donates a dollar. At the end of the year the donations are given to the local food bank. A worthy cause and a lot of fun. That's small town living.

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Mom and Dadhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/70
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/70Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:23:45 +0000Mom and Dad in grandpa and grandma Whitsell's back yard. I believe this photo was taken 1937 or38. I'm not sure what Dad has in his mouth? It doesn't look like a cigarette, maybe a long piece of grass. I remember chewing them. If it is an cigarette, that is how they were 'held' in those days. Cool like in the movies. He has a tie and vest so it must have been Sunday. I remember we got 'dressed-up' on Sundays, whether we went to church or not. And we spent a lot of Sundays at Grandma and Grandpa Whitsell's as did most of the daughters families.
Mom and Dad in grandpa and grandma Whitsell's back yard. I believe this photo was taken 1937 or38. I'm not sure what Dad has in his mouth? It doesn't look like a cigarette, maybe a long piece of grass. I remember chewing them. If it is an cigarette, that is how they were 'held' in those days. Cool like in the movies. He has a tie and vest so it must have been Sunday. I remember we got 'dressed-up' on Sundays, whether we went to church or not. And we spent a lot of Sundays at Grandma and Grandpa Whitsell's as did most of the daughters families.

Mom and Dad in grandpa and grandma Whitsell's back yard. I believe this photo was taken 1937 or38. I'm not sure what Dad has in his mouth? It doesn't look like a cigarette, maybe a long piece of grass. I remember chewing them. If it is an cigarette, that is how they were 'held' in those days. Cool like in the movies. He has a tie and vest so it must have been Sunday. I remember we got 'dressed-up' on Sundays, whether we went to church or not. And we spent a lot of Sundays at Grandma and Grandpa Whitsell's as did most of the daughters families.

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four generations Mckisson Sneddenhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/151
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/151Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:25:36 +0000Four generations from the maternal side of the Sneddens. The lady seated is Louisa (Stromyer) Mckisson who spent time in Western State Prison for shooting a farmhand from a neighboring farm. The man, named Forbes, was trespassing on her property. This photo shows Louisa (Stromyer) Mckisson seated, her daughter, Sarah (Mckisson) Snedden (Grandma Whitsell's Mom), Sarah's son Robert Snedden Jr. and Roberts daughter Grace Snedden. Louisa came from Germany with her family when she was 14. She later married Silas Mckisson. Silas served in the Civil War and was given a pension which Louisa lived on after he died.
Four generations from the maternal side of the Sneddens. The lady seated is Louisa (Stromyer) Mckisson who spent time in Western State Prison for shooting a farmhand from a neighboring farm. The man, named Forbes, was trespassing on her property. This photo shows Louisa (Stromyer) Mckisson seated, her daughter, Sarah (Mckisson) Snedden (Grandma Whitsell's Mom), Sarah's son Robert Snedden Jr. and Roberts daughter Grace Snedden. Louisa came from Germany with her family when she was 14. She later married Silas Mckisson. Silas served in the Civil War and was given a pension which Louisa lived on after he died.

Four generations from the maternal side of the Sneddens. The lady seated is Louisa (Stromyer) Mckisson who spent time in Western State Prison for shooting a farmhand from a neighboring farm. The man, named Forbes, was trespassing on her property. This photo shows Louisa (Stromyer) Mckisson seated, her daughter, Sarah (Mckisson) Snedden (Grandma Whitsell's Mom), Sarah's son Robert Snedden Jr. and Roberts daughter Grace Snedden. Louisa came from Germany with her family when she was 14. She later married Silas Mckisson. Silas served in the Civil War and was given a pension which Louisa lived on after he died.

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Sylvi 1989http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/208
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/208Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:31:29 +0000This is Sylvi at age 60. She passed away in the Summer of 2010 at the age of 90. She was the last surviving child of Laimi's sister Aiini Liisa. This is one of several photo's of Sylvi taken from 1989 through 2010.
This is Sylvi at age 60. She passed away in the Summer of 2010 at the age of 90. She was the last surviving child of Laimi's sister Aiini Liisa. This is one of several photo's of Sylvi taken from 1989 through 2010.

This is Sylvi at age 60. She passed away in the Summer of 2010 at the age of 90. She was the last surviving child of Laimi's sister Aiini Liisa. This is one of several photo's of Sylvi taken from 1989 through 2010.

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Map of jalasjarvi and relatives homeshttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/271
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/271Sat, 19 Feb 2011 17:56:37 +0000This map shows the Hakanen, Lahteenmaki, and Rinta-Valkama homes in the Jalasjarvi area. The town of Jalasjarvi is located just south of the lake. The Lahteenmaki family is Laimi's, Mike Hakanen's wife, family. The Rinta-Valkama family are Laimi's sister, Liisa's, family. The old Hakanen location is also shown. on the left of the river. It was called Iso-Aho. Cousin Arja made this map you can tell she has an architectural background. The printing and detail are outstanding! I am beginning to learn who all the people she has identified in the map are.
This map shows the Hakanen, Lahteenmaki, and Rinta-Valkama homes in the Jalasjarvi area. The town of Jalasjarvi is located just south of the lake. The Lahteenmaki family is Laimi's, Mike Hakanen's wife, family. The Rinta-Valkama family are Laimi's sister, Liisa's, family. The old Hakanen location is also shown. on the left of the river. It was called Iso-Aho. Cousin Arja made this map you can tell she has an architectural background. The printing and detail are outstanding! I am beginning to learn who all the people she has identified in the map are.

This map shows the Hakanen, Lahteenmaki, and Rinta-Valkama homes in the Jalasjarvi area. The town of Jalasjarvi is located just south of the lake. The Lahteenmaki family is Laimi's, Mike Hakanen's wife, family. The Rinta-Valkama family are Laimi's sister, Liisa's, family. The old Hakanen location is also shown. on the left of the river. It was called Iso-Aho. Cousin Arja made this map you can tell she has an architectural background. The printing and detail are outstanding! I am beginning to learn who all the people she has identified in the map are.

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The family before Wesley Tai and Marcella Raehttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/275
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/275Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:40:09 +0000This picture was taken at my surprise 70th birthday, arranged by Mimi. It was held at the Cambridge Hotel in Cambridge Springs PA. I was taken completely by surprise as there were relatives from Nanty-Glo and elsewhere, friends and neighbors and our kids and their families in attendance. In this photo we have (first row). Billy on left, then me and Chriss Wesley. Next row is son Chriss, Freda Dolly's daughter from a previous marriage and daughter-in-law Dolly. Billy, Chriss Wesley and Dennie are Chriss and Dolly's boys. Chriss and Dolly separated not long after this picture was taken. Next row is Mimi(standing), Our son Evan with Dennie on his lap and our son Eran(standing). Last row is my sister Sandy and daughter-in-law Peiyu. My brother Dennie was not in attendance. He seems not to like large gatherings and doesn't usually attend them.
This picture was taken at my surprise 70th birthday, arranged by Mimi. It was held at the Cambridge Hotel in Cambridge Springs PA. I was taken completely by surprise as there were relatives from Nanty-Glo and elsewhere, friends and neighbors and our kids and their families in attendance. In this photo we have (first row). Billy on left, then me and Chriss Wesley. Next row is son Chriss, Freda Dolly's daughter from a previous marriage and daughter-in-law Dolly. Billy, Chriss Wesley and Dennie are Chriss and Dolly's boys. Chriss and Dolly separated not long after this picture was taken. Next row is Mimi(standing), Our son Evan with Dennie on his lap and our son Eran(standing). Last row is my sister Sandy and daughter-in-law Peiyu. My brother Dennie was not in attendance. He seems not to like large gatherings and doesn't usually attend them.

This picture was taken at my surprise 70th birthday, arranged by Mimi. It was held at the Cambridge Hotel in Cambridge Springs PA. I was taken completely by surprise as there were relatives from Nanty-Glo and elsewhere, friends and neighbors and our kids and their families in attendance. In this photo we have (first row). Billy on left, then me and Chriss Wesley. Next row is son Chriss, Freda Dolly's daughter from a previous marriage and daughter-in-law Dolly. Billy, Chriss Wesley and Dennie are Chriss and Dolly's boys. Chriss and Dolly separated not long after this picture was taken. Next row is Mimi(standing), Our son Evan with Dennie on his lap and our son Eran(standing). Last row is my sister Sandy and daughter-in-law Peiyu. My brother Dennie was not in attendance. He seems not to like large gatherings and doesn't usually attend them.

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Mom in Sylvia and Reynold Hayes' backyardhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/71
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/71Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:23:46 +0000This photo was probably taken when we lived in Turtle Creek and Mom was married to Bud Bentley. She looks like she is dressed to go somewhere special. We visited Nanty-Glo quite often in those days. After Bud died Mom went to work. Once she retired, she moved back to Nanty-Glo. She lived with Sylvia for a while before moving into senior living locations.
This photo was probably taken when we lived in Turtle Creek and Mom was married to Bud Bentley. She looks like she is dressed to go somewhere special. We visited Nanty-Glo quite often in those days. After Bud died Mom went to work. Once she retired, she moved back to Nanty-Glo. She lived with Sylvia for a while before moving into senior living locations.

This photo was probably taken when we lived in Turtle Creek and Mom was married to Bud Bentley. She looks like she is dressed to go somewhere special. We visited Nanty-Glo quite often in those days. After Bud died Mom went to work. Once she retired, she moved back to Nanty-Glo. She lived with Sylvia for a while before moving into senior living locations.

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Hakanen Cottage in Finlandhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/93
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/93Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:24:33 +0000"This is a photo of the Hakanen Cottage in Finland. This cottage was purchased by my Great Grandfather, Mikko, in 1882. He and his wife Anna had four or five children at the time. They were: Edla, Issac, Mikko, Hilma and possible my Grandfather, John, who was born that same year. I believe this is when my Great Grandfather took the surname, Hakanen. This was the tradition at that time, Hakanen means small house with a pasture. Great Grandfathers father's surname was Panula. He was a lease holder of a tenant farm called Hooseli. Hosseli was where Great Grandfather Mikko was born. Hosseli and the Hakanen cottage are both in the village of Jokipii. Therefore it is hard to determine what Great Grandfathers surname was prior to purchasing the Hakanen property. Pirkko explains the location of the house this way: The Hakanen house is fairly near, but somewhere in Ahonkyla(Aho Village), which is on the other side of the river. I presume closer to the Jokipii side rather than the Kurikka side. There is a fabulous linen factory very close to Jokipii called Jokipiin Pellava (www.jokipiinpellava.fi) . It is worth visiting, you can get coffee there, too and as the family has been around a very long time, they might even be able to help. This email was to Janet who is planning on visiting Finland. After this email, Pirkko visited Finland and tried to locate the Hakanen house. She reports that it is no longer there.
"This is a photo of the Hakanen Cottage in Finland. This cottage was purchased by my Great Grandfather, Mikko, in 1882. He and his wife Anna had four or five children at the time. They were: Edla, Issac, Mikko, Hilma and possible my Grandfather, John, who was born that same year. I believe this is when my Great Grandfather took the surname, Hakanen. This was the tradition at that time, Hakanen means small house with a pasture. Great Grandfathers father's surname was Panula. He was a lease holder of a tenant farm called Hooseli. Hosseli was where Great Grandfather Mikko was born. Hosseli and the Hakanen cottage are both in the village of Jokipii. Therefore it is hard to determine what Great Grandfathers surname was prior to purchasing the Hakanen property. Pirkko explains the location of the house this way: The Hakanen house is fairly near, but somewhere in Ahonkyla(Aho Village), which is on the other side of the river. I presume closer to the Jokipii side rather than the Kurikka side. There is a fabulous linen factory very close to Jokipii called Jokipiin Pellava (www.jokipiinpellava.fi) . It is worth visiting, you can get coffee there, too and as the family has been around a very long time, they might even be able to help. This email was to Janet who is planning on visiting Finland. After this email, Pirkko visited Finland and tried to locate the Hakanen house. She reports that it is no longer there.

"This is a photo of the Hakanen Cottage in Finland. This cottage was purchased by my Great Grandfather, Mikko, in 1882. He and his wife Anna had four or five children at the time. They were: Edla, Issac, Mikko, Hilma and possible my Grandfather, John, who was born that same year. I believe this is when my Great Grandfather took the surname, Hakanen. This was the tradition at that time, Hakanen means small house with a pasture. Great Grandfathers father's surname was Panula. He was a lease holder of a tenant farm called Hooseli. Hosseli was where Great Grandfather Mikko was born. Hosseli and the Hakanen cottage are both in the village of Jokipii. Therefore it is hard to determine what Great Grandfathers surname was prior to purchasing the Hakanen property. Pirkko explains the location of the house this way: The Hakanen house is fairly near, but somewhere in Ahonkyla(Aho Village), which is on the other side of the river. I presume closer to the Jokipii side rather than the Kurikka side. There is a fabulous linen factory very close to Jokipii called Jokipiin Pellava (www.jokipiinpellava.fi) . It is worth visiting, you can get coffee there, too and as the family has been around a very long time, they might even be able to help. This email was to Janet who is planning on visiting Finland. After this email, Pirkko visited Finland and tried to locate the Hakanen house. She reports that it is no longer there.

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Sylvi Valkama, Laimi's niece.http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/122
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/122Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:24:57 +0000This photo taken at the family reunion in 2004 is of Sylvi Valkama Sylvi was the last surviving child of Aini Liisa, Laimi's older sister. Sylvi passed away during the summer of 2010. Pirkko emailed us about it. Here is her message: "Some sad tidings, too. You may recall Aunt Sylvi (Helen wrote to her), my father's youngest sister and Liisa's youngest daughter. She passed away on 30 June 2010, just after reaching 90 years of age. Her funeral was a small occasion in Helsinki and her ashes will be brought back to Jalasjarvi in August and will be buried in the family grave".
This photo taken at the family reunion in 2004 is of Sylvi Valkama Sylvi was the last surviving child of Aini Liisa, Laimi's older sister. Sylvi passed away during the summer of 2010. Pirkko emailed us about it. Here is her message: "Some sad tidings, too. You may recall Aunt Sylvi (Helen wrote to her), my father's youngest sister and Liisa's youngest daughter. She passed away on 30 June 2010, just after reaching 90 years of age. Her funeral was a small occasion in Helsinki and her ashes will be brought back to Jalasjarvi in August and will be buried in the family grave".

This photo taken at the family reunion in 2004 is of Sylvi Valkama Sylvi was the last surviving child of Aini Liisa, Laimi's older sister. Sylvi passed away during the summer of 2010. Pirkko emailed us about it. Here is her message: "Some sad tidings, too. You may recall Aunt Sylvi (Helen wrote to her), my father's youngest sister and Liisa's youngest daughter. She passed away on 30 June 2010, just after reaching 90 years of age. Her funeral was a small occasion in Helsinki and her ashes will be brought back to Jalasjarvi in August and will be buried in the family grave".

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Snedden siblings, spouses and childrenhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/148
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/148Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:25:34 +0000This group picture is of the Snedden Clan. Grandma and Grandpa Whitsell were married about nine years when this was taken. All the sons and daughters are here with their spouses and some of the children. The three eldest Whitsell daughters, Ethel, Blanch and Mildred, are here. Fleming would come along in four years. Then Sylvia seven years after that and finally Doris in eleven. Back row from left are: Eli Snedden, his wife Lilly(Whitsell), Allen Snedden, his wife Lizzie (Leonard), Jack Brown, Mary Ellen Snedden, J.P. Whitsell, His wife Sarah (Snedden) Whitsell. Robert Snedden, his wife Alice, Johnny Snedden. Next row, left to right :Ethel Whitsell, May Grace and Arthur Snedden (Bob's children). Next row has Grandpa Snedden, Grandma (McKisson) Snedden, with Violet Snedden (Allen and Lizzie's daughter) on Grandma Snedden's lap. Bottom row left to right: Blanche Whitsell, Carrie and Mary Robinson (Mary Ellen Snedden's daughters), Mildred Whitsell, Johnny Robinson (Mary Ellen's son), Clarence and Everett Snedden (Eli's sons), Bill Snedden. Robert and Sarah (Mckisson) Snedden are in the center and the baby on Sarah's lap is Violet Snedden (Allen and Lizzies daughter).'
This group picture is of the Snedden Clan. Grandma and Grandpa Whitsell were married about nine years when this was taken. All the sons and daughters are here with their spouses and some of the children. The three eldest Whitsell daughters, Ethel, Blanch and Mildred, are here. Fleming would come along in four years. Then Sylvia seven years after that and finally Doris in eleven. Back row from left are: Eli Snedden, his wife Lilly(Whitsell), Allen Snedden, his wife Lizzie (Leonard), Jack Brown, Mary Ellen Snedden, J.P. Whitsell, His wife Sarah (Snedden) Whitsell. Robert Snedden, his wife Alice, Johnny Snedden. Next row, left to right :Ethel Whitsell, May Grace and Arthur Snedden (Bob's children). Next row has Grandpa Snedden, Grandma (McKisson) Snedden, with Violet Snedden (Allen and Lizzie's daughter) on Grandma Snedden's lap. Bottom row left to right: Blanche Whitsell, Carrie and Mary Robinson (Mary Ellen Snedden's daughters), Mildred Whitsell, Johnny Robinson (Mary Ellen's son), Clarence and Everett Snedden (Eli's sons), Bill Snedden. Robert and Sarah (Mckisson) Snedden are in the center and the baby on Sarah's lap is Violet Snedden (Allen and Lizzies daughter).'

This group picture is of the Snedden Clan. Grandma and Grandpa Whitsell were married about nine years when this was taken. All the sons and daughters are here with their spouses and some of the children. The three eldest Whitsell daughters, Ethel, Blanch and Mildred, are here. Fleming would come along in four years. Then Sylvia seven years after that and finally Doris in eleven. Back row from left are: Eli Snedden, his wife Lilly(Whitsell), Allen Snedden, his wife Lizzie (Leonard), Jack Brown, Mary Ellen Snedden, J.P. Whitsell, His wife Sarah (Snedden) Whitsell. Robert Snedden, his wife Alice, Johnny Snedden. Next row, left to right :Ethel Whitsell, May Grace and Arthur Snedden (Bob's children). Next row has Grandpa Snedden, Grandma (McKisson) Snedden, with Violet Snedden (Allen and Lizzie's daughter) on Grandma Snedden's lap. Bottom row left to right: Blanche Whitsell, Carrie and Mary Robinson (Mary Ellen Snedden's daughters), Mildred Whitsell, Johnny Robinson (Mary Ellen's son), Clarence and Everett Snedden (Eli's sons), Bill Snedden. Robert and Sarah (Mckisson) Snedden are in the center and the baby on Sarah's lap is Violet Snedden (Allen and Lizzies daughter).'

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Three oldest grandsonshttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/246
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/246Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:16:57 +0000This photo taken in January of 2003 is of our first three grand children who we watched grow from birth. They are: Chriss Wesley, born May 24, 1996; Dennie, born April 3, 2001; and Billy, born August 12, 1997. It is now 2010 and we have watched each one grow through a number of "stages". I guess that is the biggest joy of grand parenting, you have time to watch them grow.
This photo taken in January of 2003 is of our first three grand children who we watched grow from birth. They are: Chriss Wesley, born May 24, 1996; Dennie, born April 3, 2001; and Billy, born August 12, 1997. It is now 2010 and we have watched each one grow through a number of "stages". I guess that is the biggest joy of grand parenting, you have time to watch them grow.

This photo taken in January of 2003 is of our first three grand children who we watched grow from birth. They are: Chriss Wesley, born May 24, 1996; Dennie, born April 3, 2001; and Billy, born August 12, 1997. It is now 2010 and we have watched each one grow through a number of "stages". I guess that is the biggest joy of grand parenting, you have time to watch them grow.

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Dad on Dog Coup Souna in Backgroundhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/66
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/66Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:23:41 +0000This was taken of my dad, Sulo, sitting on a dog coup in the Hakanen back yard. The white building in the background is the Family sauna. It was used by all the emigrated Finns in the area. All the miners used it. My grandpa and his brothers all had a space in the front room to hang their work cloths. They used scrub brushes and birch twigs to clean and invigorate their skin. We kids used to try to use them but they were much too rough for our skins. This probably was taken not long after we purchased a house across Roberts Street from the Hakanen house. Our son, Eran, "fixed" the tears and made a copy and framed it. We have it hanging in our hallway entrance.
This was taken of my dad, Sulo, sitting on a dog coup in the Hakanen back yard. The white building in the background is the Family sauna. It was used by all the emigrated Finns in the area. All the miners used it. My grandpa and his brothers all had a space in the front room to hang their work cloths. They used scrub brushes and birch twigs to clean and invigorate their skin. We kids used to try to use them but they were much too rough for our skins. This probably was taken not long after we purchased a house across Roberts Street from the Hakanen house. Our son, Eran, "fixed" the tears and made a copy and framed it. We have it hanging in our hallway entrance.

This was taken of my dad, Sulo, sitting on a dog coup in the Hakanen back yard. The white building in the background is the Family sauna. It was used by all the emigrated Finns in the area. All the miners used it. My grandpa and his brothers all had a space in the front room to hang their work cloths. They used scrub brushes and birch twigs to clean and invigorate their skin. We kids used to try to use them but they were much too rough for our skins. This probably was taken not long after we purchased a house across Roberts Street from the Hakanen house. Our son, Eran, "fixed" the tears and made a copy and framed it. We have it hanging in our hallway entrance.

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Mikko and Anna Hakanenhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/106
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/106Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:24:41 +0000John Hakanen's parents Mikko and Anna. Mikko was born 25 Jun 1853 and died 6 Apr 1925. Anna was born 22 Dec 1850 and passed 7 Apr 1921. They lived their entire married life in the village of Jokipii which is located in the town of Jalasjarvi Vassa Province Finland. A picture of their cottage in Finland is also in this album. All their children emigrated to America. The two eldest daughters were first to leave Finland. They both took domestic jobs in New York City. They financed several of their siblings voyages to America. Finland was under Russian rule at the turn of the century and many of the Hakanen brothers faced being drafted into the Russian army. This motivated many to leave Finland at that time.
John Hakanen's parents Mikko and Anna. Mikko was born 25 Jun 1853 and died 6 Apr 1925. Anna was born 22 Dec 1850 and passed 7 Apr 1921. They lived their entire married life in the village of Jokipii which is located in the town of Jalasjarvi Vassa Province Finland. A picture of their cottage in Finland is also in this album. All their children emigrated to America. The two eldest daughters were first to leave Finland. They both took domestic jobs in New York City. They financed several of their siblings voyages to America. Finland was under Russian rule at the turn of the century and many of the Hakanen brothers faced being drafted into the Russian army. This motivated many to leave Finland at that time.

John Hakanen's parents Mikko and Anna. Mikko was born 25 Jun 1853 and died 6 Apr 1925. Anna was born 22 Dec 1850 and passed 7 Apr 1921. They lived their entire married life in the village of Jokipii which is located in the town of Jalasjarvi Vassa Province Finland. A picture of their cottage in Finland is also in this album. All their children emigrated to America. The two eldest daughters were first to leave Finland. They both took domestic jobs in New York City. They financed several of their siblings voyages to America. Finland was under Russian rule at the turn of the century and many of the Hakanen brothers faced being drafted into the Russian army. This motivated many to leave Finland at that time.

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Greatgrandparents Snedden and grandkidshttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/147
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/147Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:25:33 +0000These are all the children taken the same day as the large family picture. Johnny Robinson, on the bottom row, is visible in this picture. His image was blurred in the first group photo. Back row left to right are: Ethel Whitsell, Mae Snedden (Bob's daughter), Grandpa Snedden, Grace Snedden (Bob's daughter), Grandma Snedden with Violet Snedden on her lap(Allen's daughter), Arthur Snedden (Bob's son), Mary Robinson (Mary Ellen's daughter). Front row: Mildred Whitsell, Carrie Robinson (Mary Ellen's daughter), Johnny Robinson (Mary Ellen's son), Everett Snedden (Eli's son), Clarence Snedden (Eli's son), Blanche Whitsell.
These are all the children taken the same day as the large family picture. Johnny Robinson, on the bottom row, is visible in this picture. His image was blurred in the first group photo. Back row left to right are: Ethel Whitsell, Mae Snedden (Bob's daughter), Grandpa Snedden, Grace Snedden (Bob's daughter), Grandma Snedden with Violet Snedden on her lap(Allen's daughter), Arthur Snedden (Bob's son), Mary Robinson (Mary Ellen's daughter). Front row: Mildred Whitsell, Carrie Robinson (Mary Ellen's daughter), Johnny Robinson (Mary Ellen's son), Everett Snedden (Eli's son), Clarence Snedden (Eli's son), Blanche Whitsell.

These are all the children taken the same day as the large family picture. Johnny Robinson, on the bottom row, is visible in this picture. His image was blurred in the first group photo. Back row left to right are: Ethel Whitsell, Mae Snedden (Bob's daughter), Grandpa Snedden, Grace Snedden (Bob's daughter), Grandma Snedden with Violet Snedden on her lap(Allen's daughter), Arthur Snedden (Bob's son), Mary Robinson (Mary Ellen's daughter). Front row: Mildred Whitsell, Carrie Robinson (Mary Ellen's daughter), Johnny Robinson (Mary Ellen's son), Everett Snedden (Eli's son), Clarence Snedden (Eli's son), Blanche Whitsell.

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Sylvi at age 89http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/202
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/202Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:29:46 +0000This photo was taken of Sylvi at the Senior Carehouse in Esppo, Finland. She lived at this facility for the last year and a half of her life. Sylvi passed away a very short time after her 90th birthday.
This photo was taken of Sylvi at the Senior Carehouse in Esppo, Finland. She lived at this facility for the last year and a half of her life. Sylvi passed away a very short time after her 90th birthday.

This photo was taken of Sylvi at the Senior Carehouse in Esppo, Finland. She lived at this facility for the last year and a half of her life. Sylvi passed away a very short time after her 90th birthday.

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Oldest grandson, Chriss Wesleyhttp://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/223
http://hakanen.org/gallery3/index.php/photos/223Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:44:29 +0000This is our oldest grandson, Chriss Wesley. He goes by Wesley in school. The reason we use his first and middle name is to distinguish from Eran's son, Wesley Tai who came along in 2003. We did 'big Wesley' and 'little Wesley' for a while but young Wesley didn't care for that. We occasionally use 'big Wesley' but no longer the other. Most of the time now we use the two names i.e. Chriss Wesley and Wesley Tai. Big Wesley has always followed the latest fad, if you look closely Chriss Wesley has green hair in this picture.
This is our oldest grandson, Chriss Wesley. He goes by Wesley in school. The reason we use his first and middle name is to distinguish from Eran's son, Wesley Tai who came along in 2003. We did 'big Wesley' and 'little Wesley' for a while but young Wesley didn't care for that. We occasionally use 'big Wesley' but no longer the other. Most of the time now we use the two names i.e. Chriss Wesley and Wesley Tai. Big Wesley has always followed the latest fad, if you look closely Chriss Wesley has green hair in this picture.

This is our oldest grandson, Chriss Wesley. He goes by Wesley in school. The reason we use his first and middle name is to distinguish from Eran's son, Wesley Tai who came along in 2003. We did 'big Wesley' and 'little Wesley' for a while but young Wesley didn't care for that. We occasionally use 'big Wesley' but no longer the other. Most of the time now we use the two names i.e. Chriss Wesley and Wesley Tai. Big Wesley has always followed the latest fad, if you look closely Chriss Wesley has green hair in this picture.